Ben Beckman serves as the vice captain of the Red Hair Pirates, a position that establishes him as the crew's second-in-command and the most trusted confidant of the captain, Shanks. His calm and level-headed demeanor provides a crucial counterbalance to his captain's more impulsive and carefree nature, a dynamic the creator has described as Shanks being the light while Beckman is the darkness. Beckman often appears relaxed and taciturn, observing situations with a discerning eye, and he is the first to speak up and ask critical questions regarding the crew's actions, such as anticipating the World Government's reaction to their plans. Despite his serious disposition, he has also been characterized as a playboy who is popular with women.

In One Piece Film Red, Beckman accompanies Shanks and the rest of the crew to the island of Elegia to see Uta, Shanks's adopted daughter. Throughout the film, he maintains his characteristic quiet and composed attitude, staying by Shanks's side as they observe Uta's performance. His role is that of the crew's strategic anchor, reacting to the chaotic events with a cool head and providing balanced judgment. In a key moment, when the Navy, acting on orders, moves to attack civilians who are being controlled by Uta's powers, Beckman becomes enraged by their actions. He directly confronts Admiral Kizaru, stopping him from carrying out the attack and demanding, "Does the navy that protects justice intend to kill the citizens? Answer me! Kizaru!". This scene reinforces his moral code and his willingness to challenge even the highest authorities. His relationship with Shanks is portrayed as one of deep trust and understanding; he quietly supports his captain's emotional decisions regarding Uta, acting as the anchor that holds the crew together.

The character's backstory reveals his long history with the Red Hair Pirates. Years before the events of the main story, the crew was based in Foosha Village, where they befriended a young Monkey D. Luffy. During this time, Beckman showed his protective side by easily defeating a group of mountain bandits who had kidnapped Luffy, using only his rifle as a club and a lit cigarette to burn one of the assailants. He also served as a mentor figure to Luffy, explaining that being a pirate captain carries heavy responsibilities and that Shanks's refusal to take him to sea was for his own good. As Luffy declared his ambition to become the Pirate King, Beckman predicted the boy would one day achieve greatness.

Beckman is renowned for his immense combat power, which is considered comparable to that of his captain and formidable enough to make even the mightiest warriors of the New World tremble. His most famous feat, depicted in both the main story and referenced in Film Red, is confronting Admiral Kizaru at the Battle of Marineford. By pointing his gun at the Admiral, he successfully halted Kizaru's assault, an act that highlights the Admiral's recognition of Beckman as a genuine threat. His primary weapon is a flintlock rifle, which he can use both as a melee bludgeon and as a ranged weapon. His true prowess lies in his mastery of Haki, which he can infuse into his bullets. This ability allows him to bypass the defensive properties of Logia-type Devil Fruits, making him one of the few people capable of injuring an Admiral like Kizaru. Beckman also possesses tremendous physical strength, having once torn off the arm of Eustass Kid, a member of the worst generation. Complementing his physical abilities is his exceptionally high intelligence, noted as the highest of any character introduced in the East Blue saga. This combination of intellect, strategic thinking, and overwhelming power makes him an ideal first mate and a central pillar of the Red Hair Pirates.